Assistance Dogs.

Assistance Dogs.

An Assistance Dog is one which has been specifically trained to assist a person with a specific disability and which has been qualified by one of the organisations registered as a member of Assistance Dogs (UK):

• Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

• Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

• Dogs for the Disabled

• Canine Partners

• Support Dogs

All Assistance Dogs will have formal identification and have been granted certification by the Department of Health on the basis that the dog’s high standards of training, behaviour, health and welfare are such that it should be permitted to accompany its owner at all times and in all places within the United Kingdom.

Hygiene and Cleanliness Guidance

When an Assistance Dog is / has been on the Practice Premises, particular attention will be given to hygiene and cleanliness.

Hand Hygiene

All staff must ensure good hand washing with soap and water or use of alcohol hand gel prior to and after any contact with an Assistance Dog. This will ensure the safety of all Patients and the Assistance Dog.

All Patients that come into contact with or handle an Assistance Dog will be encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water.

All Assistance Dog owners should wash their hands with soap and water after handling their Assistance Dog and before coming into contact with Patients.